A Comfortable Formula

Don't fall into the trap of using a formula. I know of several painters that find one subject and have found some success in it both financially and with public approval but their paintings have become stale and predictible. Their paintings lack insight, life, and the esscence of what they were originally in search of. They have become comfortable and in so doing take on the role of a commercial artists whose purpose is to please others and not themselves. They stop growing as artists when that happens. Know your limits but never be satisfied with them.

Inspiration

Dedicated artists do not wait for inspiration. They get down to work much like anyone with a job. Inspiration is a bonus an artist will occassionally recieve. When it happens be grateful and take full advantage of it.

Perspective

There are many books on how to paint. Some are good, some are terrible. The best way to learn how to paint is by painting and looking at good paintings. Study them carefully. One type of book to study that is imperative is a book on perspective. Lerning perspective can much easily be accomplished by reading it in book form than studying it in the field. It involves the painting of not only things like roads but everything you paint; the trees in a forest, the rocks on the shore, and the clouds in the sky. It is of the utmost importance to know and understand perspective no matter what type of painting you are doing.

Running a Marathon

Painting is like running a marathon. It starts with lots of energy. Things go quickly and progress made with little effort. However, getting to the finish line requires dedication and stamina. The further along you are in a painting, the more difficult it becomes. It's not just knowing at what point to stop, it's knowing how far you can go. Each of us has limits for making a quality work. Beyond that we cannot go. Realizing that limit is important in winning the race. We should always try and push the limit and be our best but at some point the painting takes a reverse in quality. I'm speaking as someone who paints landscapes and not experimental pieces. That's a whole different subject.